Minus a few Championship titles here and there when an unthinkable slip down to the second tier has occurred, Newcastle United haven’t exactly been swimming in memorable silverware in recent years.
The EFL Cup final approaching next weekend versus Arne Slot’s runaway Premier League leaders in Liverpool does them a fantastic opportunity to rewrite this narrative though, with the Magpies hopeful that the Reds could fall victim to a potential off-day at Wembley.
Before this big day to the English capital, however, there is another trip to London on the agenda away at West Ham United on Monday, with Eddie Howe perhaps resting Alexander Isak so he’s fresh for the test of Liverpool owing to recent injury issues.
Why Newcastle need to hand a rest to Alexander Isak
It was revealed after Newcastle’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion that Isak was fatigued come full-time, having just recovered from an injury against Liverpool in the league to start versus the Seagulls.
“He’s fine. He came off (on Sunday) feeling fatigued, a tightness in his body. But he’s trained every day this week.” – Eddie Howe.
Whilst Howe now seems confident that his on-fire Swede could start against the Hammers despite these worries, this is a risk the Toon might not take just to be cautious, with Newcastle’s chances of a surprise trophy being lifted somewhat resting on Isak being able to terrorise Slot’s men.
After all, Isak would fire home this strike with confidence in the first of two semi-final legs to help his team reach the final, with the ex-Real Sociedad centre-forward now up to 22 goals in all competitions.
With three career strikes donning Newcastle black and white against Liverpool also in his favour, it does feel as if the Toon can utilise Isak as an impact substitute at most at the London Stadium to ensure he’s then fit and firing at Wembley.
Consequently, the door could swing open for a Magpies hotshot to gain another senior opportunity, having seriously impressed with recent chances gifted to him.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Howe's best replacement for Isak at Newcastle
Unfortunately, Howe doesn’t always have a plethora of alternative options that can lead the line instead of Isak, with experienced striker Callum Wilson often out with an injury setback of his own.
The former AFC Bournemouth man did lead the line last time out in league action, but endured a very frustrating time of things at Anfield, with zero shots registered on Alisson’s goal that were on target, on top of also managing just eight accurate passes.
Therefore, instead of relying on the out-of-sorts 33-year-old to spark into life against Graham Potter’s hosts, Howe could be willing to gamble on 21-year-old William Osula to catch out the Hammers instead.
Whilst both Wilson and his Danish counterpart only have a meagre goal next to their names this season, Osula does have two assists to shout about.
Minutes played
69
89
Goals scored
1
0
Assists
0
2
Shots
1
3
Successful dribbles
1/1
3/4
Touches
18
51
Accurate passes
9/11 (82%)
14/16 (88%)
Key passes
1
3
Total duels won
2/4
14/24
Whilst all three of those goal contributions have come against lower league opposition – as can be seen looking at the table above – there’s plenty to still be excited about when it comes to the former Sheffield United attacker, with the West Ham contest perhaps an apt opportunity for the 21-year-old to gain some more first team experience in the league.
Amazingly, Osula has even been hailed as a “poor man’s Haaland” in the past by one of his ex-Derby County teammates, Curtis Davies, with Birmingham very much on the receiving end of a strong and slick performance from the Dane much like Haaland operates at his prime for Manchester City.
Having presumably been left unimpressed by Wilson’s last offering, Howe might boldly push Osula into his starting XI for the trip to West Ham, with Isak left on standby.
£42m Newcastle star who Howe loves "will" leave in future, agent reveals
He’d be a huge loss for the Magpies.
ByBarney LaneMar 8, 2025
